ReliefWeb: Updates by Country

23.02.2024 18:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Médecins Sans Frontières Depuis la mi-février, une recrudescence des attaques de groupes armés en Ituri, dans l'est de la République démocratique du Congo, a tué et blessé un grand nombre de personnes, alerte Médecins Sans Frontières , dont les équipes dirigent un centre de soins chirurgicaux dans la ville de Bunia, capitale provinciale. « *Après plus de six mois de relative accalmie, la récente reprise des attaques violentes a entraîné de nouvelles morts tragiques *», déclare le chef de mission de MSF, Halidou Alira. « *Cela démontre que l'Ituri demeure sous l'emprise de violences d’une intensité imprévisible dont les civils subissent le poids. *» À ce jour, ce conflit dans la province de l'Ituri a contraint plus de 1,63 million de personnes – soit un tiers de la population – à fuir leur domicile. Coupées de leurs moyens de subsistance et de leurs communautés, les familles subissent au quotidien une situation de déplacement prolongé très difficile. Ouvert en juin 2023, le centre de traumatologie Salama fournit aux populations affectées par ces violences des soins vitaux. Entre juin et décembre 2023, les équipes de MSF à Bunia ont soigné 863 patients et réalisé 838 interventions chirurgicales. Un tiers des patients pris en charge par les équipes de MSF étaient des victimes directes de cette violence, notamment des femmes et des enfants. Les types de blessures pour lesquelles les patients ont été traités sont entre autres des coupures profondes causées par des machettes et diverses blessures par arme. «* Mon enfant a été victime d'une attaque d'un groupe armé dans mon village près de Drodro*, déclare la mère d'une enfant de deux ans hospitalisée. *Pendant notre fuite, notre grand-mère qui tenait ma petite fille n'a pas pu s'échapper assez rapidement. Elle a été capturée et son bras a été coupé par une machette. Quand mon enfant apeuré a crié, ils ont aussi essayé de la tuer *». Avec une capacité totale de 45 lits, le centre de soins traumatologiques et orthopédiques de MSF à l'hôpital Salama joue un rôle crucial pour les populations de l’Ituri. En plus de fournir des soins chirurgicaux traumatologiques, les équipes médicales soignent les patients brûlés et fournissent des soins post-traumatiques, notamment des consultations de santé mentale et de la physiothérapie pour réduire le niveau d'invalidité fonctionnelle que les patients pourraient autrement subir tout au long de leur vie. Ce centre prend également en charge les victimes d’accidents de la route, qui sont nombreux dans cette province où l’offre de soins spécialisés adéquats est insuffisante. Dr Patrick Nkemenang, coordinateur médical de MSF, souligne l'importance du projet : «* L'activité chirurgicale développée en Ituri par Médecins Sans Frontières répond aux besoins des personnes les plus vulnérables de la province, celles provenant des zones périphériques où l’accès aux soins demeure très difficile. Avec une capacité d’accueil limitée, l’hôpital général de référence de Bunia, structure publique de la province, ne pouvait pas répondre seul aux besoins d’une population en pleine croissance démographique, d’où la nécessité pour MSF d’apporter davantage des soins chirurgicaux accessibles à tous dans un contexte sécuritaire volatile. *» Pour renforcer les infrastructures sanitaires et améliorer la qualité des soins médicaux, MSF investit également dans la formation du personnel médical, l’amélioration de la qualité du matériel biomédical, l’appui au système de référence, les donations d’intrants médicaux et dans la construction d’infrastructures sanitaires. Le soutien de MSF s’étend aussi à l’HGR de Bunia.

23.02.2024 18:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees GENEVA -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is gravely concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation civilians face in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo . Intensifying violence and conflict are exacting a heavy toll on innocent civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom are attempting to seek safety on the peripheries of conflict zones. Since the resurgence of fighting around the town of Sake in the North Kivu Province on 7 February, 144,000 individuals have been forced to flee the outskirts of Goma. They have fled indiscriminate bombings that have impacted displacement sites and other civilian areas over the past few weeks, and which have resulted in the deaths of more than 20 civilians and injured more than 60. While conflict around Sake rages, emboldened non-state armed groups have launched a horrific spate of targeted attacks against civilians this week in the Beni region of North Kivu, as well as in the Irumu Territory of Ituri Province. UNHCR's protection monitoring teams have received reports of killings, kidnappings, and the burning of homes. UNHCR condemns these atrocities against civilians and displaced populations and urgently calls for a cessation of hostilities across the eastern provinces to safeguard civilian lives. The plight of the newly displaced in eastern DRC is compounded by the pre-existing, pressing humanitarian situation. More than 7 million people remain displaced across the country, including half a million refugees. Those displaced contend with already high risks associated with inadequate shelters, poor sanitation facilities and limited income-generating opportunities. UNHCR has successfully advocated with local authorities for the extension of two displacement sites on the periphery of Goma and, with other humanitarian agencies, plans to deliver 900,000 shelters in 2024, nearly double the 500,000 built last year. To address these and many other humanitarian needs in the DRC, the 2024 was launched on 20 February, appealing for $2.6 billion to help some 8.7 million people in need across the country. Additionally, UNHCR and its partners launched on 22 February to provide critical protection and assistance to Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries. The plan requires $668 million to support nearly 1 million refugees and 1 million host community members, the majority of whom are in Angola, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia. For more information, please contact: In Kinshasa, Joel Smith, smithj@unhcr.org, +243 82 52 57 774 In Pretoria , Pumla Rulashe, rulashe@unhcr.org, + 27 82 377 5665 In Pretoria , Hélène Caux, caux@unhcr.org, + 27 82 376 5190 In Geneva, Eujin Byun, byun@unhcr.org, +41 79 747 8719

23.02.2024 18:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Médecins Sans Frontières A resurgence in in Ituri province, , since mid-February has resulted in large numbers of people injured and killed, says Médecins Sans Frontières . MSF teams are running a centre in the town of Bunia in the province. "After six months of relative calm, the recent resurgence in violent attacks has resulted in significant loss of life," says Halidou Alira, MSF head of mission. "This demonstrates that Ituri remains firmly in the grip of violence characterised by unpredictable intensity, with civilians bearing the brunt of these attacks." To date, the decades-long conflict in Ituri province, in the country's northeast, has forced more than 1.63 million people -- or one-third of the province's population -- to flee their homes and live in displacement. Cut off from their livelihood and communities, their life in prolonged displacement is very difficult. Between June and December 2023, MSF teams in Bunia’s Salama hospital treated 863 patients and conducted 838 surgical interventions. One-third of the patients treated by MSF teams were direct victims of the violence, including women and children. The types of injuries patients have been treated for are deep cuts caused by machetes and various weapon wounds. “My child fell victim to an attack by an armed group on my village in Drodro,” says the mother of a two-year old patient. “As we were fleeing, our grandmother who held my little daughter was not able to get away fast enough. They were seized and they cut off her arm with a machete. When my child cried out in fear, they tried to kill her with the machete.” With a total capacity of 45 beds, MSF's trauma and orthopaedic care centre in Bunia serves as a crucial healthcare hub for the people of Ituri province, who have been affected by protracted conflict. As well as providing complex trauma surgery, the medical teams in Bunia treat burns patients and provide post-trauma care, including physiotherapy and mental health consultations. Road accident victims are also treated due to the high prevalence of these types of injuries and the lack of adequate specialist care in the province. The centre plays a pivotal role in saving lives, while offering tailored and quality medical care to reduce the level of functional disability that patients might otherwise face for the rest of their lives. “MSF’s medical activities in Ituri address the needs of the most vulnerable people in the province, particularly those in remote areas with very difficult access to healthcare,” says Dr Patrick Nkemenang, MSF medical coordinator. “Bunia’s general reference hospital has limited capacity and could not meet the needs of the population alone, hence the importance of MSF providing additional surgical care that is accessible to all in a volatile security context.” To strengthen local healthcare infrastructure and improve the quality of medical care, MSF is also training local medical staff, improving the quality of biomedical equipment, supporting the referral system, donating medical equipment and constructing health infrastructure. MSF’s support also extends to the general reference hospital.

23.02.2024 18:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sources: UN Children's Fund, World Food Programme KINSHASA -- The United Nations Children's Fund and the World Food Programme are calling for immediate action to protect children and families caught in the escalating violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where an increasing number of people, including children, have been wounded or killed near makeshift camps. Both agencies call on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and allow humanitarian agencies to do their work. The latest conflict in the Eastern DRC has resulted in catastrophic conditions for the local population. Fierce fighting has, over the past two weeks, moved 25 kilometres' west of Goma towards the town of Sake, where children and their families are caught in a deadly crossfire. "Children in DRC need peace now," said Grant Leaity, UNICEF Representative in the DRC. "We are calling for children to be protected in this war and for an end to this violence through renewed efforts to find a diplomatic solution. We are extremely concerned about the safety of children and their families in and around camps in Goma." This has triggered a huge movement of people to already over-crowded displacement camps. An additional 214,950 people have joined the 500,000 people already displaced to areas around Goma. Separately, tens of thousands of others moved towards Minova in South Kivu. Crucial land routes to facilitate food delivery and other supplies have been cut off, causing shortages and price spikes in Goma's local markets. The situation further strains families struggling to put food on their tables. "We are facing a humanitarian catastrophe of massive proportions," said Peter Musoko, Country Director and Representative for WFP in the Democratic Republic of the Congo . "Make no mistake: If we do not act now, lives will be lost." The increase in violence and displacement is straining resources for both agencies to mount a comprehensive response that includes food, clean water, good sanitation, safe shelter, basic health care, and protective services for women and children. WFP is appealing for $300 million for the next 6 months. With an urgent resource break starting in March, the agency needs $78 million immediately to plug this gap and continue its operations. For the next 6 months, UNICEF seeks $400 million for its emergency response in eastern DRC, with an immediate need of $96 million. Urgent priorities following this recent influx of people include deploying mobile clinics to provide emergency medical care and nutrition services in and around camps, reinforcing cholera containment and prevention, distributing non-food items, increasing water trucking, caring for unaccompanied children and reuniting them with their families, and providing services to prevent and respond to cases of gender-based violence. DRC has become one of the continent's most significant internal displacement crises, with 6.9 million people displaced, primarily due to conflict in the east. In the last year alone, IOM estimates that 1.6 million people have been displaced. Notes to editors: About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the world's most challenging places to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work, visit: Follow UNICEF on , , and About WFP The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media @wfpdrc CONTACT For more information, please contact: Lianne Gutcher, UNICEF DRC, +243 820 996 405,lgutcher@unicef.org Shelley Thakral, WFP/Kinshasa, Mob. +243 81 700 6744

23.02.2024 09:31 Countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached Infographic.

22.02.2024 16:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Rescue Committee Over 135,000 people have been displaced by ongoing violence since January Over 600 people have been killed in the last 90 days Almost 800 people have been injured during continued violence Almost 200 people have been abducted by non state armed groups Kinshasa, DRC, February 22, 2024 — The International Rescue Committee is concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo , where 135,000 people have been displaced fleeing the intensification of fighting between the Congolese army and non-state armed groups since the beginning of 2024. The situation in the region has reached dire proportions, with widespread displacement, violence, and acute humanitarian needs. Heather Kerr, IRC Country Director in DRC, said: “It is harrowing to witness the toll of armed conflict on civilians – to see families torn from their homes, seeking safety amidst the chaos. Women, children, and vulnerable communities face real and terrifying threats of violence, exploitation, and the loss of fundamental rights. “In just the past months, I've seen too many lives lost, too many injuries sustained, and too many loved ones torn away by this relentless conflict. Access to life's essentials – healthcare, clean water, food – remains painfully out of reach for many, worsening an already dire situation. Every day, humanitarian efforts are met with daunting obstacles, as insecurity and logistical nightmares hinder our ability to provide crucial aid to those who need it most. This is not just a crisis on paper; it's a daily struggle for survival for countless individuals, and we must do everything in our power to support people in need." The deteriorating humanitarian situation in North Kivu demands urgent attention and action from the international community. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure the protection of civilians, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access, and address the root causes of the conflict. Furthermore, sustained funding is needed to provide vital assistance and protection to those affected by the crisis, including displaced populations and host communities. Last year, the Humanitarian Response Plan for DRC was funded at less than 40%, leaving millions of people without critical humanitarian services whilst the humanitarian situation has deteriorated considerably since. The International Rescue Committee calls on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and respect the rights and dignity of civilians. We urge the international community to mobilize resources and support to address the humanitarian needs in North Kivu and work towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the crisis. Time is of the essence, and concerted efforts are needed to prevent further suffering and alleviate the plight of those affected by this humanitarian catastrophe. The IRC has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1996. We deliver emergency assistance to individuals affected by recurring crises while fostering social cohesion within communities through collaborative efforts with Congolese institutions. We also provide essential health services, including primary health care, sexual and reproductive health, infection prevention and control, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene. We reinforce violence prevention and support survivors of gender-based violence through comprehensive interventions, including providing psychosocial support, facilitating economic recovery, and ensuring access to essential services , particularly in eastern DRC where there is a severe protection crisis. Our approach involves collaboration with communities and their institutions to promote social cohesion aimed at conflict reduction and support to primary and secondary schools. Learn more about the IRC’s DRC response. MEDIA CONTACTS Chloe Zoe Clementine Leconte Madiha Raza International Rescue Committee IRC Global Communications +1 646 761 0307

22.02.2024 16:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached Infographic. Depuis le début de l’année 2024, plus de 128 miles personnes se sont nouvellement déplacées en RDC portant le total à environ 6,8 millions de personnes déplacées. Les femmes représentent 51% de la population déplacées. Plus de 80% des déplacements sont dus aux attaques et affrontements armés. Le Nord kivu et l’Ituri sont les provinces ayant accueilli plus de personnes retournées au cours des 3 derniers mois.

22.02.2024 16:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Oxfam Please refer to the attached file. More than 133,000 people who fled the fighting in North Kivu, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo , live in unimaginable conditions without one single toilet or water, posing serious consequences for their health and safety, warns Oxfam. Oxfam staff report that people are forced to pay US$0.40 to use the host communities' toilets or showers, a fee that many simply cannot afford having lost everything to the conflict. The situation is particularly dire for women who have to walk up to 25 km to fetch water, a perilous 4-hour journey that exposes them to violence from armed groups. Staff have also reported increased cases of diarrhea as a result of lack of clean water and hygiene with some people currently dying. Oxfam's Country Director in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Justine Gomis Tossou said: "The needs far outstrip resources. Sites are overcrowded, people are sleeping in the open air or crammed into sheds, hospitals or schools which make them inoperable. Others have built their own makeshift camps and are without water, food or assistance with a high risk of disease outbreak and food insecurity. Women are highly vulnerable and exposed to sexual exploitation and abuse." In one of the makeshift camps, an Oxfam staff member met a mother of four who fled the fighting with one of her sons having lost contact with her three children and husband. Alone and vulnerable, she was raped by a group of armed men as she ventured into the forest to find firewood, in the hope of selling it to buy a meager ration of food and water. "Even after such a horrific ordeal, she still had to find the courage to fetch firewood, her only means to feed her remaining child", said the staff member. Displacement camps where Oxfam works since last year are overcrowded with overflowing latrines becoming a pressing issue. Many have gone for weeks without a shower, significantly increasing the risk of disease including cholera which is on the rise in North and South Kivu: more than 20,000 cases of cholera were recorded in the first six months of 2023, a threefold increase on the same period in 2022, according to UNICEF. Oxfam is already helping 28,500 people in displacement camps distributing drinking water and building latrines and showers but urgently needs US$4 million to ramp up operations. Funding for the humanitarian needs in DRC is already meagre with only 39.5% of the United Nations humanitarian appeal for DRC having been filled to date, despite the country being one of the world's biggest food emergencies. "Urgent support is needed to avert catastrophe. It is time for collective and responsible action to reverse the disasters and suffering of the people of the DRC, and to put the country's wealth at the service of the population," said Mrs. Tossou. END NOTE TO EDITORS According to the 186,422 people have been displaced by the recent escalation of violence in North Kivu. Oxfam teams identified 133,530 of these people living in six makeshift camps. In 2024, more than 25.4 million people - a quarter of the population -- require assistance, with the most urgent humanitarian needs concentrated in the eastern provinces, severely hit by violence and insecurity according to the CONTACT Ibrahim Falola in Kinshasa | IFalola@oxfam.org.uk | +229 62 72 25 03 Fatuma Noor, in Nairobi | Fatuma.Noor@oxfam.org | +254 723 944682 Simon Trépanier, in Italy | Simon.Trepanier@oxfam.org | +39 388 850 9970

22.02.2024 16:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sources: UN Children's Fund, WASH Cluster Please refer to the attached file.

22.02.2024 08:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Amnesty International À la suite de l’intensification des combats dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo entre l’armée congolaise et les membres du Mouvement du 23 mars , Tigere Chagutah, directeur régional pour l’Afrique de l’Est et l’Afrique australe à Amnesty International, a déclaré : Toutes les parties au conflit en cours dans le Nord-Kivu doivent cesser immédiatement les attaques délibérées et aveugles contre la population civile et veiller à ce qu’elle soit protégée et aidée face à l’intensification des combats.Tigere Chagutah, directeur régional pour l’Afrique de l’Est et l’Afrique australe à Amnesty International « Des milliers de civil·e·s sont à nouveau pris entre deux feux et ont besoin d’aide humanitaire de toute urgence alors que les violents affrontements ont repris autour de la ville de Goma. Toutes les parties au conflit en cours dans le Nord-Kivu doivent cesser immédiatement les attaques délibérées et aveugles contre la population civile et veiller à ce qu’elle soit protégée et aidée face à l’intensification des combats. « Les belligérants doivent faire le nécessaire pour garantir un accès immédiat et illimité des acteurs humanitaires qui cherchent à apporter une aide vitale aux civil·e·s. Avec plus d’un million de personnes déplacées à l’intérieur du pays qui sont entassées à Goma et autour de la ville, sans avoir accès à des abris, de la nourriture, des installations sanitaires et des services de santé, les partenaires internationaux de la RDC doivent redoubler d’efforts afin qu’une aide humanitaire puisse être fournie dans la dignité à toutes les personnes qui en ont besoin. Sans dénonciation des catalyseurs du conflit et respect de l’obligation de rendre des comptes pour les crimes de droit international commis depuis près de 30 ans en RDC, il est probable que les atrocités continueront.Tigere Chagutah « Les conséquences catastrophiques du conflit armé en RDC pour les droits humains durent déjà depuis bien trop longtemps. Les États et les organisations intergouvernementales, dans la région et à l’échelle internationale, doivent revoir leur réponse à cette crise. Sans dénonciation des catalyseurs du conflit et respect de l’obligation de rendre des comptes pour les crimes de droit international commis depuis près de 30 ans en RDC, il est probable que les atrocités continueront. » Complément d’information Le groupe M23 a recommencé ses attaques dans le Nord-Kivu en novembre 2021. Il affirme se battre pour l’application d’accords politiques conclus avec le gouvernement congolais, qui prévoyaient un retour en toute sécurité des réfugié·e·s tutsis congolais, entre autres revendications. Ses membres se sont depuis emparés de plusieurs villes du Nord-Kivu. Après plusieurs mois de calme relatif à la suite d’un cessez-le-feu, d’intenses combats ont repris en janvier. Ces affrontements ont fait au moins 35 morts et des dizaines de blessés parmi la population civile et ont forcé plus de 135 000 personnes à fuir. L’armée congolaise combat aux côtés de dizaines de milices locales, de mercenaires venus d’Europe et d’autres armées, tandis que le M23 continue de bénéficier du soutien du Rwanda selon plusieurs rapports de l’ONU.

22.02.2024 08:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: World Health Organization Brazzaville - Kinshasa – « Le fait de me faire vacciner contre la maladie à virus Ebola m’a procuré un sentiment profond de sécurité et me permettra de me concentrer pleinement sur mon travail », déclare Chrysostome Kavusa Mwenderwa, agent de santé à l’Hôpital de référence de Kalunguta, à Beni . Chrysostome, 42 ans, fait partie des 18 748 agents de santé en première ligne déployés dans 12 zones sanitaires de la province du Nord-Kivu qui ont été vaccinés contre la maladie à virus Ebola entre juin et septembre 2023, dans le cadre d’une campagne menée par l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé pour aider les pays à améliorer la préparation aux épidémies et sauver des vies. « Les agents de santé sont chargés de prévenir la maladie, de faire face aux flambées épidémiques et d’atténuer les risques dans les communautés. Mais la nature de leur activité les expose à un risque accru de maladies infectieuses mortelles telles que la maladie à virus Ebola, ce qui signifie que la vaccination préventive est primordiale chaque fois que cela est possible », affirme le Dr Boureima Hama Sambo, Représentant de l’OMS en République démocratique du Congo. En plus de soutenir les efforts de préparation, la vaccination contre la maladie à virus Ebola contribue au renforcement des systèmes de santé, ouvrant ainsi la voie aux programmes de vaccination des adultes, ajoute le Dr Sambo. « Nous avons mis à contribution les associations professionnelles de médecins, de personnel infirmier, de sages-femmes et de techniciens de laboratoire, ainsi que les associations de survivants de la maladie à virus Ebola, les organismes éducatifs, religieux et les partenaires humanitaires pour encourager la vaccination prophylactique des agents en première ligne et des agents de santé », indique le Dr Nanou Yanga Mukadi, point focal de la vaccination contre le choléra et responsable de la vaccination contre Ebola au Programme élargi de vaccination. « La planification commence à la base, avec le soutien des niveaux intermédiaire et central et des partenaires, dont l’OMS. Un aspect important à relever ici est la sensibilisation. En outre, un suivi en cours et en fin de processus est effectué pour s’assurer que les objectifs sont atteints », ajoute le Dr Yanga Mukadi. La Guinée-Bissau et l’Ouganda ont aussi commencé des efforts de vaccination préventive au même moment que la République démocratique du Congo. L’OMS invite instamment les autres pays à haut risque à envisager également la vaccination préventive contre Ebola. La maladie à virus Ebola est une maladie grave, souvent mortelle, dont les taux de létalité oscillent entre 70 % et 90 % en l’absence de traitement. La flambée épidémique qui a sévi en Afrique de l’Ouest entre 2014 et 2016 a dévasté à la fois les communautés et les services de santé. L’OMS encourage les pays à donner la priorité à l’utilisation du vaccin en tant qu’outil puissant de santé publique pour protéger les agents de santé et les autres prestataires de services en première ligne exposés à un risque élevé de contracter la maladie. En 2023, l’OMS a mis à la disposition des pays africains à haut risque, 111 497 doses du vaccin ERVEBO®, provenant du stock mondial, afin d’intensifier la préparation des pays aux flambées épidémiques futures. L’OMS a en outre apporté son appui au gouvernement de la République démocratique du Congo pour qu’il puisse planifier et coordonner les activités de vaccination préventive contre Ebola aux niveaux opérationnel et stratégique. L’agent de santé Kavusa Mwenderwa explique la menace du virus Ebola en ces termes : « Ebola se transmet par contact avec du sang ou des liquides biologiques d’un patient infecté, ou même par contact avec des vêtements ou du linge de lit contaminés par des liquides biologiques. Compte tenu de la nature de notre travail, le risque pour nous, en tant qu’agents de santé, est élevé. » Au cours des premières phases d’une épidémie de virus Ebola, les agents de santé sont souvent les premiers touchés, ce qui peut entraîner des décès inutiles, des pénuries de personnel et la transmission de la maladie à d’autres patients. Son collègue, Remacle Kasereka Kitutu, 40 ans, est du même avis : « L’importance de la vaccination n’est plus à démontrer. Si en tant qu’agents de santé, nous sommes vaccinés contre la maladie à virus Ebola, nous pouvons travailler beaucoup plus efficacement, tout en continuant à prendre toutes les précautions recommandées pour éviter l’infection. » Pour plus d'informations ou pour demander des interviews, veuillez contacter : Eugene Kabambi Communications Officer WHO DRC Tel : +243 81 715 1697 Office : +47 241 39 027 Email: kabambie@who.int Collins Boakye-Agyemang Communications and marketing officer Tel: + 242 06 520 65 65 Email: boakyeagyemangc@who.int

22.02.2024 08:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Malteser International Cologne/Ariwara. Following the recent attacks by the militant group M23 on the town of Sake, 25 kilometres from the provincial capital of Goma, the situation for refugees in the region is worsening. In addition, refugee camps have also been attacked in recent days and people can no longer feel safe there either. More than 500,000 displaced people are already living in Goma because they are seeking protection there. In the past few days alone, around 135,000 people have arrived. Many of them are children. "Thankfully, our projects in Ituri are not currently affected by this wave of violence from the M23. However, the CODECO group and other armed groups are terrorising people in the Ituri region. In January alone, 44 civilians were reportedly murdered by armed groups," says Miriam Suhr, Program Manager for the DR Congo at Malteser International. "Of course, this increasing violence also has an impact on our work. Supply routes are becoming inaccessible, for example, and in some health zones we have to provide medical care to more and more people due to the increasing number of refugees. This is also pushing our capacities to their limit time and again. In Ituri alone, there are currently 1.6 million refugees. And the number is growing, as the violence leaves people with no choice but to run for their lives and flee." Malteser International has been supporting the people of the DR Congo since 1996 in the eastern provinces, primarily in the areas of health, water/sanitation and hygiene and food security. "The most important thing now is to end the violence so that people can return to their homes," says Suhr. The people in the DR Congo are in urgent need of donations. Contact Katharina Kiecol +49- 221-9822-7181 Email: katharina.kiecol malteser-international.org

21.02.2024 23:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sources: Shelter Cluster, UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached Infographic. CHIFFRES CLES 903 336 Personnes assistées dont: 724 742 Personnes en nature 115 499 Personnes en CASH 63 095 Personnes en Coupons y compris 90 430 Femmes ou filles assistées en kit hygiène intime 133 894 Personnes en bâches

21.02.2024 23:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sources: Shelter Cluster, UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached Infographic. CHIFFRES CLES 566 889 Personnes assistées dont: 181 642 Personnes en nature 136 835 Personnes en CASH 248 412 Personnes en Coupons y compris 61 693 Femmes ou filles assistées en kit hygiène intime 65 726 Personnes en bâches

21.02.2024 23:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: World Health Organization Kinshasa – “Getting the Ebola vaccine has given me a deep sense of security and will allow me to concentrate fully on my work,” says Chrysostome Kavusa Mwenderwa, a health care worker at Kalunguta Referral Hospital in Beni, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kavusa, 42, is among 18 748 frontline and health care workers in 12 health zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu province who were vaccinated against Ebola between June and September 2023, part of a drive by World Health Organization in support of countries to help boost epidemic preparedness, and save lives. “Health care workers are responsible for preventing disease, responding to outbreaks, and mitigating risk in communities. But the nature of their work puts them at increased risk for deadly infectious diseases such as Ebola, so preventive vaccination is crucial wherever possible,” says Dr Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Along with supporting preparedness efforts, Ebola vaccination also helps strengthen health systems, paving the way for adult vaccination programmes, Sambo adds. “We have leveraged professional associations of physicians, nurses, midwifes and laboratory technicians, as well as of Ebola survivors, along with education and religious bodies and humanitarian partners, to encourage prophylactic vaccination for frontline and health care workers,” says Dr Nanou Yanga Mukadi, Cholera Vaccination Focal Point and EPI Ebola Vaccination Officer. “Planning begins at grassroots level, with support from the intermediate and central levels and from partners, including WHO. One important aspect to highlight is awareness-raising. In addition, in-process and end-of-process monitoring is carried out to ensure that the targets are met,” Mukadi adds. Along with Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau and Uganda have also begun preventive vaccination efforts. WHO urges other countries at high risk to also consider preventive Ebola vaccination. Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness, with death rates of 70% to 90% when untreated. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa devastated communities and health services alike. WHO is encouraging countries to prioritize the use of the vaccine as a powerful public health tool to protect health care workers and other frontline service providers at high risk of exposure. In 2023, WHO made a total of 111 497 doses of the ERVEBO® vaccine from the global stockpile available to high-risk African countries, with the aim of ramping up country preparedness for future outbreaks. WHO also supported the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to plan and coordinate preventive Ebola vaccination activities at operational and strategic levels. Health care worker Kavusa Mwenderwa explains the threat from the Ebola virus: “Ebola is transmitted through contact with an infected patient’s blood or bodily fluids, or even through contact with clothing or bed linen contaminated with bodily fluids. Given the nature of our work, the risk to us as health workers is high.” During early phases of an Ebola virus outbreak, health care workers are often first affected, which can lead to unnecessary deaths, staff shortages, and transmission to other patients. His colleague, Remacle Kasereka Kitutu, 40, agrees: “The importance of getting vaccinated cannot be overemphasized. If we as health workers are vaccinated against Ebola, we can work much more efficiently and effectively, while continuing to take all the recommended precautions to avoid infection.”